Best Countries to Work, Invest, and Make Money: An Ethiopian Perspective

Thinking about what the best country is for work, investment, or making money? For many Ethiopians, it's a big decision, and everyone wants real details about where the real opportunities are—not just glossy travel photos or vague internet rumors. The stakes are high: moving or investing abroad is risky if you don’t know what you’re getting into.

Let’s talk about why so many people consider working or investing outside Ethiopia. It’s mostly about better salaries, bigger job markets, or finding that business chance you just can’t seem to get at home. Neighbors like Kenya, the UAE, or South Africa often come up for business or skilled jobs, and Europe and the US still top the charts for high-earning roles. But that doesn't mean it's a walk in the park to get in, much less get ahead.

What actually makes a country “the best” for work or investment? Look beyond paychecks. Is there a fair job market for foreigners? Are you allowed to start a business there, or is it full of rules and red tape? How’s the cost of living? High salaries don’t mean much if rent will eat all your money in London, Dubai, or New York.

And what about making money online? Thousands of Ethiopians are joining the global gig economy from home—doing tasks for foreign clients, running e-commerce, or offering digital services. If you’re curious, check out countries that make remote work and online business easy. Look for places with reliable payment systems (like PayPal or Wise) and low transaction fees. Countries with fewer restrictions on online business can be a big plus.

Don’t overlook Ethiopia itself, either. Recent years show more investment and job creation locally than you’d expect, especially in cities like Addis Ababa. Sectors such as tech, agriculture, and construction see steady growth. Young entrepreneurs are creating wealth with ideas rooted here instead of chasing dollars abroad. That’s something worth considering before you book a ticket overseas.

If you decide to look abroad, research visa rules, work permits, and recognize that salaries for foreigners can differ greatly based on your skills. For example, healthcare and IT roles are in demand almost everywhere. But entry-level jobs may not pay that much after living expenses, especially if you end up supporting family back home.

When comparing countries, real-world data beats hearsay. Search for stats on average earnings, major hiring industries, ease of opening a bank account, and where expats from Ethiopia have succeeded. Ask people who’ve done it, join online forums, or find social media groups dedicated to Ethiopian migrants and entrepreneurs. They’ll tell you about both the opportunities and the pitfalls—without sugarcoating it.

Making a move is a huge step. The so-called best country for one person isn’t always the best for another. What matters is matching your skills, ambitions, and risk tolerance to a place where you actually have a shot. That’s how you turn a dream of working, investing, or building a new life somewhere else into something real—and hopefully, profitable.